JOIN USDifferent cultures under one roof
Once again, the fair offers the best crafts from across the country. Currently going on at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, the fair is drawing a huge crowd.
With nearly 140 stalls by artisans from across 24 states, the fair is a confluence of varied languages and cultures. From crafts reflecting the culture of rural India to trendy items suiting the modern lifestyle, the ten-day exhibition-cum-sale boasts of a variety of products.
Some of the exclusive items on display are oak wood silks from Uttarkhand, fabrics from Gujarat, pateena crafts from Delhi, bamboo crafts and glass art forms from Kerala, pottery from Jaipur, dokra from West Bengal, marble from Uttar Pradesh, Thanjavur art forms, ganjeefa art from Mysore, handloom products, furniture, jewellery and other environment-friendly products from various states.
Rajendra Prashad, a national award-winner from Bondwal, is displaying sandalwood work, wooden jewellery and idols. “Four members from my family have been honoured with the national award for our wooden work. Earlier, we used to prepare ivory and sandalwood items. But since ivory is banned now, we are focusing on wooden items,” said Rajendra, who is also one of the key artisans behind Sampoorn Crafts Fair.
Abdul Kalam from Uttar Pradesh has been participating in the fair for the past ten years and this time, he is showcasing handwoven designer carpets with an antique finish. Apart from these, there are bandhani kurtas, salwar suits and saris with block printing and patchwork, mekhla chaddar, wall hangings with katha work, and evening purses attracting every onlooker.
Also on display are soaps, handmade stationery items, oils and several other products useful for home needs. “As we keep the middlemen out, the customers can buy stuff directly from the craftsmen. Due to this, the prices are reasonable and the artists feel rewarded for their work as well. With every passing year, the Sampoorn Crafts Fair is garnering more and more appreciation. It is becoming a household name and every year, people look forward to this national level expo,” said Shalini, one of the organisers.
“Nowadays, exhibitions keep happening throughout the year. In most of them, we more or less find the same kind of products. But this fair is a bit different. The artisans, who come here, bring their latest products for display and sale. Hence, one cannot find these products anywhere else in the City,” said Charulatha, one of the customers. The exhibition is on till December 26.